Speech #1010023486

Whereas despite these welcome releases. many Vietnamese remain in longterm detention because of their suspected opposition to the Government of Vietnam. and many family members of detainees do not know their status. Whereas the Government of Vietnam has continued in recent years to imprison individuals because of their political and religious expression or association or related nonviolent activity. . Whereas the Government of Vietnam has stated publicly that the remaining "reeducation" camp or prison detainees would be released and that former detainees would be ai.owed to emigrate. Whereas the United States has repeatedly stated that the resettlement of "reeducation" camp or prison detainees is one of its highest priorities in its dealings with Vietnam on humanitarian issues and has made it clear to the Government of Vietnam that it is willing to allow former and current detainees to enter the United States. Whereas at negotiations held in Hanoi in July 1988. the United States and Vietnam agreed in principle on the resettlement of those released from "reeducation" camps or prisons and Vietnam reaffirmed that released detainees and their families could emigrate from Vietnam. Whereas the Government of Vietnam subsequently suspended negotiations on the issue of the resettlement of detainees and their families. and Whereas the willingness of the Government of Vietnam to satisfactorily resolve this humanitarian issue will have an important bearing on the relationship between Vietnam and the United States: Now. therefore. be it Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring). That the Congress calls on the Government of Vietnam(1) to make public the names of all individuals who continue to be held in "reeducation" camps or prisons in connection with suspected opposition to the Government of Vietnam. (2) to release Immediately all remaining longterm "reeducation" camp or prison detainees. as well as all individuals imprisoned in Vietnam In recent years because of their political or religious expression or related nonviolent activites. and (3) to resume negotiations. without preconditions. with the United States concerning the emigration from Vietnam of current and former detainees and their families. In accord with the commitment of the Government of Vietnam to allow their emigration.